Week 8: Sit 'Em

These usually solid players are not worth starting this week due to match-up, injury, or other circumstances This week's picks include Matthew Stafford, Steven Jackson, Felix Jones, LaRod Stephens-Howling, and Michael Turner.

Sit'em articles can vary widely across fantasy websites. Some weeks you might see consistency among experts and other weeks you might not find one match between articles. Sit'em picks are focused on selecting usually solid players that are not worth starting in any given week. Circumstances might include match-up, injury watch, RBBC approach, passing vs. rushing focus, past performance, etc.

Sit'ems include some tough calls. We all have doubts each week and have to consider our options. It is a difficult decision to sit your stud or solid player, but occaisonally you must in order to win that match-up.

Stafford did not look good on Monday night. Of course the Chicago defense played an active role in his down performance, but overall he just did not look in sync with his wide outs. Completing 28 of 46 passes with one TD and one INT is not wonderful. On average Stafford puts up nearly 18 fantasy points per week. It is projected he will provide you with about 15 points this week at best. Stafford is owned in 100% of MFL leagues and being started in only 62% of those leagues. Over the season thus far, his Week 8 opponent Seattle, has allowed an average of 241 passing yards and 0.83 passing TDs. Seattle's defense will likely pose issues for Stafford and Megatron this week. I am projecting a performance of about 250 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 2 INTs and multiple sacks. If you can keep Stafford on your bench it might be best.

New England has given up the 23rd most fantasy points to opposing backs so far this season. If you take this into account with the fact that Daryl Richardson is now cutting into Jackon's carries and productivity, Jackson should be on your bubble this week for a fantasy start. Although Jackson did log his first rushing TD of this campaign in Week 7 vs. Green Bay, the split time is a huge factor to consider. Richardson's activity in the passing game also should be a concern. He is playing passing downs and stealing additional time from Jackson. It appears that Jackon's fantasy production is on the downswing and owners should take note. New England will not be an easy match-up this week and I am looking for about 50-60 rushing yards and no score from Jackson this week.

With Murray sidelined, Jones finally received another opportunity to steal the limelight. What happened: he went out and sustained neck and knee injuries. Murray is off his crutches and looking to be on the mend, but appears to be out another week. Phillip Tanner in waiting in the wings as well. The team reports that Jones will get his second start this season, but I would be cautious of starting him this week given his injury status. If Jones falters he could easily be pulled from action just as abruptly as he was thrown into the mix with Murray's foot injury. New York, his Week 8 opponent has allowed an average of 106 rushing yards, which is an appealing figure, but I doubt we will see this kind of production from Jones. New York has also allowed an average of 275 passing yards to QBs. I think we will see Romo throwing early and often. New York's stats also show an average of 1.3 passing TDs and 0.5 rushing TDs for opponents. This week I think we will see Jones rush for around 50 yards with no score and Tanner will pick up the slack.

Stephens-Howling rushed for 104 yards this past Sunday against Minnesota with Williams out for the season and Wells sidelined by injury. He also snagged four receptions and showed that he can play a role in passing schemes. Stephens-Howling is diminutive compared to other backs and many worry about his ability to shoulder the entire workload the rest of the season. Personally, I think he is a viable option for flex positions and maybe even in RB slots with certain match-ups. However, I agree with our FFToolbox Pickups article. Stephens-Howling is a guy you should consider for your roster, but should definitely remain on your bench this week. In Week 8 he faces San Francisco and they have given up the least fantasy points to running backs this season. I am projecting 40 rushing yards with 1-2 short yardage receptions, but no score.

Turner is averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season. Turner has produced two significant fantasy outings this season and the others have been average or much less than average. This week he faces a Philadelphia defense that has given up the 25th most fantasy points to backs so far this season. Jacquizz Rodgers is cutting into Turners passing down playing time and might soon cut further into Turner's carries. Atlanta is a pass-happy offense and Turner is beginning to look like an up and down fantasy play. Turner's TDs have not been where many would like them to be this season and I think he will not find the end zone this week either. Look for around 55 rushing yards with 1-2 short yardage receptions this week.